Deutsche Telekom Hints that Iliad's T-Mobile US Bid Falls Short

Germany's Deutsche Telekom obliquely confirmed that it had rejected an unsolicited takeover proposal for its T-Mobile US unit from French cellular upstart Iliad.

BERLIN (The Deal) -- Germany's Deutsche Telekom on Thursday obliquely confirmed that it had rejected an unsolicited takeover proposal for its T-Mobile US (TMUS) unit from French cellular upstart Iliad but said it would be willing to consider viable approaches.

"We have always said that we would be open to offers for T-Mobile US that would improve its position and that of its shareholders. At the moment, we don't have an offer that fits those criteria," Deutsche Telekom CEO Tim Hottges said during an earnings conference call.

Hottges was reacting to a Wednesday decision by Sprint (S) to end its talks with Deutsche Telekom about merging with T-Mobile US. Sprint had been expected to offer $40 per share for Deutsche Telekom's controlling T-Mobile stake -- which would value the company's entire equity at $32.3 billion -- but widespread reports said regulatory concerns killed the deal.

That left a $33 per-share offer from Iliad. However, analysts have questioned the logic of Iliad's bid since few synergies could be found in a linkup between a strictly French and a U.S. provider. Iliad's lack of international experience and ability to finance a deal were further causes for concern.

During the call, the CEO also lashed out at U.S. regulators who have been hesitant to allow T-Mobile, the country's smallest cellular company, to merge with a larger rival. Competition watchdogs are wary of deals that cut the market to three rivals from four.

In Europe, however, the four-to-three deals have become de rigueur with such mergers either completed or underway in Ireland, Germany and Austria.